The Weekly Draw for Aug 18 thru 24
Past, present, future: Insights into where you’ve been, where you are and where you’re going
Greetings, precious writers. . .
I’m marking this day. This missive is being written and sent from my new home. For the last several months, I’ve been quietly in a period of transition… packing up my children and my life, and moving into a new place.
A lot of magic has taken place to get me where I currently am. I mainly use feminine energy during the day, which feels natural for me. I dwell in the feminine. But during these last few weeks, I’ve been using masculine energy to make things happen. Not in a forceful way, but simply to make things happen more quickly.
As a result, I’m tired and a little depleted. Uprooting from where you’ve been and putting down fresh roots in a new environment where you’re unfamiliar with the soil is exhausting — physically and emotionally. The move is 80% complete. There are still a few things to be done. I’ll be glad when it’s over. In the meantime, I’ll be giving myself a lot of grace as I settle in and make my nest feel as cozy and luxurious as possible.
Now that I’ve given you the deets on what’s happening in my world, let’s get into this week’s tarot reading and guidance, shall we?
What I love most about my decks is how cheeky they can be. As I was setting up to sit outside and enjoy the weather, I began tuning into the energy of all of you. I put the kettle on, made a pot of tea and grabbed my notebook and laptop and put them outside. Basically went about my normal ritual for a Sunday morning.
I knew immediately I wanted to do a past, present, future spread. It called to me. So I pulled the cards and let them sit on the table while poured the first cup. I didn’t really look at them to be honest. I was focused on enchanting my tea before taking that first sip.
If part of your morning ritual involves a cuppa, whether it’s tea or coffee, you know how life-giving that first sip is. It hits different.
When I finally took a good look, I chuckled. And asked Spirit if this reading was for you or it was for me. Like I said, my decks are cheeky. It’s not unusual for to pull cards for you, and the same time, receive a message for myself.
This week's reading speaks to a period of transition and new beginnings.
Past: Three of pentacles
This card indicates a recent period of focused collaboration and skill-building. You've been laying the groundwork for something significant. There's a strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose in this card. Perhaps you've been part of a writing group, collaborating on a project or deeply immersed in craft study.
For me, I’ve been (and still very much am) in focused collaboration with Spirit, deeply immersed in the study of my craft — writing, editing and magic.
Present: Six of swords
This card signifies a period of transition. You're leaving behind challenges and uncertainties (in your writing and life) and moving toward calmer waters. This might feel like a journey, an internal shift or a physical change of environment. It's a time of introspection and preparation for what lies ahead. Summer is ending and the darker months are upon us.
As mentioned earlier, I’m in a period of transition. It isn’t over yet and if I’m being honest with myself (as we all should be), it will never be truly over.
Future: Page of swords
This card heralds a new beginning filled with curiosity and intellectual energy. A fresh idea or perspective is on the horizon. It suggests a youthful enthusiasm for exploration and discovery. This could be a new project, a genre shift or a fresh approach to your writing.
For me, this is about nesting. I’m deeply curious about my new environment and the effect it will have on my practices and my work. In the old place, I couldn’t function at my best because it was diminishing my energy. Your environment can affect you in so many ways. It’s not about being surrounded by pretty things… that’s surface-level stuff. It’s about the energy of your surroundings.
Now that I’ve moved into a new place, I’ve already experienced a shift in energy. And I expect it to continue shifting for the better. I’m calmer, more peaceful and insights have been coming in fast and heavy.
Changing your environment is something I tell my clients all the time. You don’t have uproot and move like I did (mind you, I received a direct order from Spirit to move, so I obeyed). But making simple changes such as where and how you position your writing desk based on cardinal directions can make a big difference.
Practical guidance based on the cards
Here's some practical advice to keep in mind this week (and beyond):
Don’t fight the transition
Take a break: If you've been deeply immersed in a project, consider a short break to recharge. This could mean stepping away from writing altogether or simply switching to a different project. There’s no shame in taking a break, and you don’t need permission. Nor do you need to announce or explain it to everyone. Simply take a break.
Reflect and plan: Use this time to reflect on your writing journey so far. What have you learned? Where do you want to go next? Be honest about this. Is that project truly bringing you joy? Do you have the support you need? And if not, where can you find it?
Trust the process: Remember that periods of transition are normal. Don't rush or fight the process. That only makes it more challenging and take longer
Nurture your creativity
Explore new ideas: Allow yourself to brainstorm freely without judgment. This is a great time to experiment with different genres or styles.
Join a writing group or workshop: Collaborating with other writers can be inspiring and provide valuable feedback. Do this after you’ve spent time in reflection on your own. Go within for insights first, then seek outside advice.
Sharpen your skills: Dedicate some time to honing your craft. This could involve reading books on writing, attending webinars or taking online courses.
Focus on self-care
Prioritize rest: Ensure you're getting enough sleep and taking breaks throughout the day. One of my besties told me she cleared her calendar after moving into her place and literally slept for like a week. Not sure I’ll sleep that long, but I will absolutely prioritize rest in the coming days/weeks. Our brains like to chew on things while we sleep and do other things. So walk away from the writing and rest.
Mindful activities: Engage in activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as meditation, yoga or spending time in nature. Play with your children. Do some puzzles. I adore Legos and have two brand new Harry Potter sets waiting for me to put together.
Nourish your body: Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated. Note: minding your business is also very nourishing to the body. Real talk.
Journaling prompts
Reflect on the past: What collaborative projects or skill-building endeavors have you been involved in recently? How have these experiences shaped your writing?
Embrace the present: What challenges or uncertainties are you leaving behind? How can you use this transition period to recharge and prepare for what's ahead?
Look toward the future: What new ideas or projects are stirring within you? How can you nurture this spark of creativity and inspiration?
Self-care activity: Mindful nature walk
To balance the mental energy represented by the two swords cards, spend some time in nature this week. No music, no podcasts, just you and nature. A mindful walk can help clear your head, ground your energy and bring about new ideas. Pay attention to the sights, sounds and sensations around you. Feel free to jot things down in a small notebook if you desire. Or voice record your insights with your phone.
Happy writing, and until next week,
The Book Druid